Course Content:

Social media provides an opportunity for anyone to publish or broadcast, but many don’t realise the consequences if they break the law. The social media law course provides guidance on how to stay on the right side of the law for all those who blog, engage on Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms whether in a professional or personal capacity.

The course content includes problems such as “Twibel”, contempt of court, breach of copyright and invasion of privacy. Those who engage in social media should be aware of the legal risks – both of criminal prosecution and of civil claims for damages. Remember if a post “goes viral” the amount of damages could rise too.

Programme

Who is the publisher? You? Your employer?

Who is liable? It depends. Note press regulator IPSO will not deal with complaints about online material that is not on newspaper or magazine websites.

What is regulated?

What if you only retweet?

Is it safe to post that hyperlink?

Is ignorance a defence?

How to deal with cyberbullying?

Does your blog carry adverts? If so, be aware of the Advertising Standards Authority.

Risk of identifying confidential sources.

Use of social media to track movements / online stalking

Risks with images – copyright/invasion of privacy/contempt of court

Use/misuse of # hashtag

What is criminal?

Bottom line – Think before posting. If you can’t say it in the street, don’t post on social media.

This half day course costs £45 for NUJ members and £60 for non-members and this includes all materials and tea/coffee.

Check out our Course Calendarfor the next date and location for this course. For availability and to book a place, please contact us on 0141 248 6648/7748 or by email at NUJScotland@nuj.org.uk